Innovation, Care, and Opportunity: A New Public Charter School Is Coming to North Saint Louis County

By Lisa Smith, CEAM Community Outreach Associate, Eastern Missouri

North County Innovative School (NCIS) is preparing to open its doors during the 2027–2028 school year. It will serve students who live within the Riverview Gardens School District attendance area.

Following a “start small, grow smart” approach, NCIS will begin with PreK–2 and add a grade each year. By focusing on children in their early years, the school aims to establish a strong academic foundation and equip students with essential skills from the very beginning.

NCIS is a therapeutic public charter school focusing on Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, Agriculture, and Math (STREAM) while prioritizing mental health, emotional well-being, and student voice in everyday learning.

At the heart of NCIS’s academic mission is its commitment to bridging the literacy gap in North Saint Louis County and ensuring every student becomes a proficient reader. Reading is essential across every subject, opening doors to knowledge and creating a foundation for future academic success.

Learning will extend beyond the classroom, giving students opportunities to grow their own food in a community garden, learn about agriculture and sustainability, and experience the process of planting, caring for, and harvesting what they grow. STEM projects, performing arts, and other hands-on experiences will give students opportunities to explore their interests and develop their strengths.

For me, this is personal

I have advocated for public charter schools since 2016. I wanted this option for my own children, but it was not available in the area where we lived. For years, families in the community have called for additional public school options.

Policy changes at the state level made it possible for public charter schools to operate in qualifying districts like Riverview Gardens. This progress reflects years of advocacy by  parents, community members, educational organizations, and lawmakers working together to expand public school options for Missouri students. 

Today, I have the opportunity to help advance that vision as a member of NCIS Board of Directors. I take this responsibility seriously and am committed to putting students first and making their academic success a priority.

As NCIS prepares for the 2027–2028 school year, families interested in learning more can visit the school’s website or contact the team directly.

Visit https://www.northcountyinnovativeschool.org/  email  info@northcountyinnovativeschool.org or call (314) 324 – 7193

If you’re interested in learning more about school choice options or need assistance navigating the education landscape, the CEAM Team is here to help. You may contact me, Lisa Smith, by email at lisa@ceamteam.org